Part of him, though, would have loved to see Maltby in a Griffins uniform.

Maltby announced his retirement Tuesday after a 16-year NHL career that included four Stanley Cup championships with the parent club Detroit Red Wings. He had the option to join Grand Rapids and possibly return to Detroit but chose to retire and spend more time with his wife and three children.

"Gosh, he's done some great things. We were hoping that he would come down and help us out and just stick around in case any injuries popped up," Fraser said. "He would have been a fantastic depth player for the Wings, but I think that's a great thing that he did.

"Tough decision, but it's his choice rather than having an injury or something that forced you out."

Defenseman Derek Meech, who spent the past three seasons in Detroit with Maltby, said he understands the decision to retire.

"He's had a hell of a career, four Stanley Cups and he's had a role in the Wings organization for such a long time," Meech said. "There comes a time in a career when you say, 'Maybe this is time to call it quits,' and I think that's where he's at right now.

"He's got a wife, three kids and I don't think he's at the point where he wants to be away from them too often. Right now, in his life, it's the right thing for him to do."

Still, Meech wouldn't have minded skating alongside is former teammate in Grand Rapids.

"I would have loved to have Malts down here," he said. "He's a heck of a guy, always had a lot of fun and he's be a real good addition to the team. But that's just not going to happen."

Maltby now transitions into the role of Red Wings pro scout, a position that had been open since Pat Verbeek was hired by Tampa Bay in the offseason.

Maltby is the latest former player to receive a job in the organization. Chris Chelios and Jiri Fisher already have visited Grand Rapids multiple times this season in their roles as executive advisor to general manager and director of player development, respectively. It also is only a matter of time until Aaron Downey returns as part-time strength and conditioning coach.

"Kenny Holland has just done a fantastic job of keeping guys around. They've always found a way to keep those guys involved," Fraser said. "Nobody does a better job with their older players. And now, Maltby gets a chance to get involved, and I'm sure he'll have a great time.